Zurich (Sports Desk) FIFA has announced the withdrawal of its controversial plan to allow private investment in major football tournaments, including the World Cup, following strong opposition worldwide.
According to the international news agency, FIFA President Gianni Infantino said that the proposal created divisions within the football community, and continuing with it was not in the interest of the sport.
Under the plan, FIFA’s 211 member football associations were offered $40 million in exchange for support. However, the European football governing body UEFA, the Asian Football Confederation (AFC), and CONCACAF opposed the proposal.
UEFA had warned that if the plan was implemented, its member countries could decide to boycott the World Cup.
FIFA senior adviser Carlos Cordeiro also resigned from his position, calling the plan harmful to the future of football, while Chief Operating Officer Kevin Lamour admitted that FIFA’s management had not been provided with accurate information on the matter.
Following intense pressure, Gianni Infantino said he wanted to bring all relevant parties back to the negotiating table so that decisions regarding the future of football could be made through mutual consultation. Pressure on him over the issue has increased ahead of next year’s FIFA presidential elections.